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Make Your Own Shibori Pillow

Jun 17, 2016

When looking for DIY projects to do I often gravitate towards tie dyeing because the possibilities are quite endless and the result doesn’t need to be perfect. This was the first time I attempted Shibori dyeing, the art of Japanese tie dye by twisting, folding and compressing cloth. This was just like any other tie dye project, but required a bit more prep time.

I will admit that I was impatient and washed my pillow cover before the recommended 24 hr dry time, thus making the color fade quite a bit. I almost didn’t post this because the outcome was different than expected, but again that is what I love about tie dye, it is so uniquely your own!

I recommend using an Indigo Dye Kit, the color seems richer than using a blue dye and lasts longer. Start by taking your fabric (I used a plain white cotton/linen pillow cover) and twisting small sections, rubberbanding as you go. There are many ways to prepare your fabric when Shibori dyeing, I used the spiral effect technique.

Rubberband until your fabric can not be twisted and scrunched anymore. Prepare dye based on the box instructions and submerge fabric making sure it is rotated and all angles are covered.

Leave fabric in dye mixture for as long as your specific dye recommends, then remove wearing rubber gloves and place on flat surface. Let this sit for a bit before cutting off rubber bands or twine.

This gorgeous rich blue color is how the pillow should look when completed, and how mine would have turned out of I didn’t wash it right away. Lay this on a flat surface or hang outside in the sun for at least 24 hours! Once you have let the fabric sit, rinse with cold water and hang dry. Use caution if using the dryer, especially when working with a pillow cover.